A NOVEL ELECTROCHEMICAL MICROFLUIDIC APTASENSOR FOR THE DETECTION OF PARASITE

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the critical issue of contaminated water sources affecting millions globally, leading to numerous deaths annually, particularly in developing nations [1].Parasites such as Cryptosporidium parvum (C.parvum) contribute significantly to waterborne outbreaks [2].However, existing detection methods are time-consuming and require expertise [3].Addressing this need, we propose an innovative electrochemical microfluidic aptasensor utilizing hierarchical 3D gold nano-/microislands (NMIs) functionalized with aptamers for C. parvum detection.Our biosensor offers rapid and accurate identification at the point-of-care (POC), showing high selectivity and sensitivity, with promising results in detecting C. parvum in various sample matrices, including patient stool samples.INTRODUCTION: Waterborne parasites pose a significant threat to public health globally, especially in regions with poor sanitation.Current detection methods are cumbersome, emphasizing the necessity for rapid and accurate point-of-need identification.We introduce an electrochemical microfluidic aptasensor utilizing 3D-gold NMIs and aptamers for C. parvum detection, offering enhanced sensitivity and selectivity (Figure1).This study addresses the urgent need for improved diagnostic tools for parasites.EXPERIMENTAL: We fabricated the microfluidic device with embedded NMIs electrodes and functionalized them with C. parvum-specific aptamers.Evaluation involved testing the biosensor's performance in detecting C. parvum in various sample matrices using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The NMIs-aptasensor with the best structure (thermodynamically favorable with the lowest, , Figure2a) exhibited a linear response to C. parvum in buffer samples, with a low limit of detection of 5oocysts.ml - in buffer (Figure2b).Specificity tests confirmed minimal cross-reactivity with related parasites (Figure2c).Real sample measurements demonstrated the biosensor's efficacy in detecting C. parvum in patient stool samples (n=10), with high sensitivity and specificity (p <.001, Figure3).CONCLUSION: Our aptamer-based electrochemical microfluidic biosensor offers a promising solution for rapid and accurate detection of waterborne parasites, particularly C. parvum, at the point-of-care.The device's high sensitivity, selectivity, and performance in complex matrices highlight its potential for widespread clinical and environmental applications, addressing the urgent need for improved diagnostic tools in public health.